An Inclined Scalable Grid System and an Improved Heuristic Algorithm for Multisatellite Joint Regional Coverage

Discrete grid systems are crucial for completing satellite observation tasks. However, there is currently no grid system dedicated to multisatellite joint regional coverage (MSJRC). In this letter, a new inclined grid system named Inclined Scalable Grid System (isGS) considering orbit inclination is constructed based on equal-area projection. Congruent square cells endow the grid with good scalability, making it more adaptable to different swaths in a constellation. Furthermore, to quickly solve the regional coverage problem, an improved heuristic algorithm combined with isGS is designed. Elements from real satellites and target regions are used to verify the proposed methods. Experimental results indicate that the mean value of covered cells under isGS increases 51.78% at maximum and the improved algorithm speeds up by up to 80.27% while ensuring accuracy. In summary, the methods and findings presented in this letter can increase the utilization efficiency of satellite resources, increase the frequency of satellite image acquisition, and provide reliable quantitative reference for remote sensing constellation construction.